12 Best Places to Visit in Jordan in 2026: Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and More

The best places to visit in Jordan are Petra (the rose-red city and its Treasury), Wadi Rum (desert camps and stargazing), the Dead Sea (float at the lowest point on land), Jerash (huge Roman ruins), Amman, Aqaba on the Red Sea, Madaba and Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, Dana, Ajloun, Umm Qais and the Baptism Site. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to go, and the Jordan Pass covers Petra, 40+ sites and, with a 2-night stay, your tourist visa fee.

Jordan packs an amazing amount into a small country. In one week you can walk into a 2,000-year-old city carved from pink rock, sleep under the stars in a red desert, float in the Dead Sea and snorkel in the Red Sea. People are famously welcoming, distances are short, and the food is some of the best in the Middle East.

Here are the places that are worth your time, with one practical tip for each.

1. Petra, the rose-red city

Why go: Petra is Jordan's number one sight and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon just over 1.2 km long and only about 3 m wide in places, and suddenly the Treasury appears in front of you. The main trail is about 3.9 km and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours at an easy pace. Keep going to the Monastery (Ad-Deir): about 800 rock-cut steps, roughly 40 to 90 minutes up, and bigger than the Treasury.

Tip: Give Petra two days if you can. It is huge, and the second day lets you do the Monastery and a quieter trail with fresh legs. Petra by Night runs Sunday to Thursday evenings with the Siq lit by candles. Tickets are sold on site at the Visitor Center.

2. Wadi Rum, the Valley of the Moon

Why go: Wadi Rum is a UNESCO-listed desert of red sand, giant rock mountains and natural arches. It has doubled as Mars in films like *The Martian*. Jeep tours take you to dunes, canyons and ancient rock carvings, and Bedouin camps serve dinner cooked under the sand.

Tip: Stay at least one night in a desert camp. The stars are the real show, and October to April usually has the clearest skies.

3. The Dead Sea

Why go: At around 430 m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on land. The water is so salty that you float without trying. Cover yourself in mineral-rich mud, rinse off and enjoy a sunset over the water.

Tip: Wear water shoes (the salt crystals are sharp), float for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, never splash your face, and shower right after. Public beaches like Amman Tourist Beach have showers and freshwater pools if you are not staying at a resort.

4. Jerash

Why go: About 45 km north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. Walk through Hadrian's Arch (built in 129 AD), across the oval Plaza, and down a colonnaded street about 800 m long to theatres that still host concerts. The Jerash Festival runs in late July and early August.

Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There is little shade, and the light on the columns is beautiful.

5. Amman

Why go: Jordan's capital mixes Roman ruins with busy cafés. Climb to the Citadel for the Temple of Hercules and city views, visit the Roman Theatre (it seats about 6,000), then walk to Rainbow Street for cafés and galleries. Downtown is famous for falafel and hummus at Hashem and warm knafeh at Habiba.

Tip: Citadel, Roman Theatre and Rainbow Street make an easy half-day. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap for the hills in between.

6. Aqaba and the Red Sea

Why go: Jordan's only coastal city has calm, clear water and colourful coral close to the shore. Snorkel at the Japanese Garden, dive the Cedar Pride wreck, or explore the underwater military museum.

Tip: Book with a licensed dive centre. Aqaba also works well as a base for Wadi Rum, about an hour away. Check current travel advice for Aqaba before you book.

7. Madaba and Mount Nebo

Why go: In Madaba, St George's Church holds a famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Nearby Mount Nebo has wide views over the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley.

Tip: Visit both on the way from Amman to the Dead Sea, or as the first stop on a drive down the scenic King's Highway.

8. Wadi Mujib

Why go: Wadi Mujib's Siq Trail is a water hike through a narrow sandstone canyon. You wade, swim and climb small waterfalls. It is one of the most fun adventures in Jordan.

Tip: It is a summer activity and depends on the weather, so check with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) before you go. Expect to get completely wet. Life jackets are provided.

9. Dana Biosphere Reserve

Why go: Dana is Jordan's largest nature reserve (about 292 km²), with dramatic valleys, desert wildlife and a stone village. The roughly 16 km Wadi Dana trail leads down to the famous candle-lit Feynan Ecolodge.

Tip: Many trails need a guide. Book through the reserve and carry plenty of water.

10. Ajloun

Why go: Ajloun Castle was built in 1184 by one of Saladin's generals and looks out over green hills. The nearby forest reserve is perfect for a short hike.

Tip: Spring is the prettiest time, when the hills are covered in wildflowers.

11. Umm Qais

Why go: The ruins of ancient Gadara sit on a hilltop in the north, with views over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan. It is quiet, beautiful and far less busy than Jerash.

Tip: Combine it with Jerash and Ajloun for a full day in northern Jordan.

12. The Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan)

Why go: On the east bank of the Jordan River, this is believed to be where John baptised Jesus. It is a peaceful, meaningful stop for visitors of all faiths.

Tip: Visits are by guided tour and shuttle bus. It is not included in the Jordan Pass, but you can add it for a small fee when you buy the pass.

The Jordan Pass: is it worth it?

For most visitors, yes. The Jordan Pass includes entry to Petra and more than 40 attractions, including Jerash, Wadi Rum, Ajloun Castle and the Amman Citadel. If you buy it before you arrive and stay at least 2 full nights (3 days) in Jordan, it also waives the tourist visa fee (40 JD) at the main entry points.

Buy it only on the official site, jordanpass.jo. Some copycat websites still show old rules.

Best time to visit Jordan

• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times: warm days, about 15 to 25°C, and comfortable hiking.
• Summer is very hot in Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Start your days early.
• Winter is mild in Aqaba and the Dead Sea but can be cold, and even snowy, in Amman and Petra.
• During Ramadan, most sites stay open, but avoid eating or drinking in public during the day.

Getting around Jordan

• Hire a car or a driver: the easiest way to see the country. The Desert Highway from Amman to Petra takes about 3 hours. The King's Highway takes 4 to 5 hours or more but passes Madaba, castles and Dana.
• JETT buses: a daily tourist bus runs between Amman and Petra. Book ahead in high season.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well in Amman.
• Currency: the Jordanian dinar (JD), pegged at about 1 USD = 0.71 JD. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants. Carry cash for taxis, markets and small shops.
• Dress: cover shoulders and knees at religious and rural sites. Women do not need to cover their hair.

Staying connected in Jordan

You will want mobile data for maps, ride-hailing and messaging, especially on road trips. A travel eSIM is the easiest option: install it at home, and it connects when you land in Amman. In our [2026 network data](/blog/which-network-does-my-travel-esim-use-by-country-2026), travel eSIMs in Jordan connect to Zain and Umniah on 4G. Coverage is good in Amman, Petra, Aqaba and along the main highways. Signal can be patchy deep in Wadi Rum and in narrow canyons, so download offline maps before you head into the desert.

See [Jordan eSIM plans](/destinations/esim-jordan) or read our [Jordan eSIM travel guide](/blog/esim-jordan-travel-guide-2026). If you are also visiting Egypt, Israel or the Gulf, a [Middle East regional plan](/destinations) can cover several countries in one eSIM.

Sample 7-day Jordan itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Amman, then visit the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and Rainbow Street.
2. Day 2: Day trip to Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais.
3. Day 3: Drive the King's Highway via Madaba, Mount Nebo and Dana to Petra.
4. Day 4: Petra, the Siq, the Treasury and the Monastery, then Petra by Night.
5. Day 5: A second morning in Petra, then drive to Wadi Rum for a desert camp.
6. Day 6: Wadi Rum jeep tour at sunrise, then Aqaba for snorkelling, or head north to the Dead Sea.
7. Day 7: Float in the Dead Sea, then return to Amman for your flight.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Jordan?

Five to seven days covers the highlights: Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. With ten days you can add Dana, Wadi Mujib, Aqaba and the north at a relaxed pace.

Is the Jordan Pass worth it?

Yes, for most visitors. It covers Petra and 40+ sites, and if you buy it before you arrive and stay at least 2 full nights, it also waives the 40 JD tourist visa fee. Buy it only from jordanpass.jo.

How long do you need at Petra?

One full day covers the Siq, the Treasury and the main trail. Two days lets you add the Monastery and quieter trails without rushing.

What is the best month to visit Jordan?

April, May, October and November usually have the best weather for sightseeing and hiking, with warm days and cooler nights.

Does my phone work in Wadi Rum?

In most camps and along the main tracks, yes, on 4G. Signal can drop in deep canyons, so download offline maps and tell your camp your plans.

Can I use a travel eSIM in Jordan?

Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to Jordan's local networks (Zain and Umniah in our data). Install your eSIM before you fly and turn on data roaming for it when you land.

The bottom line

Jordan gives you ancient wonders, desert adventures and two seas in one short trip. Start with Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, add Jerash and Amman, buy the Jordan Pass before you go, and check the latest travel advice before you book. Stay online the whole way with a [Jordan eSIM](/destinations/esim-jordan).